Man who killed DougCo deputy, shot six others, fired more than 100 rounds

One deputy was shot and killed, four other deputies and two civilians were injured when the suspect fired more than 100 rounds at the officers when they responded to a disturbance at a Highlands Ranch apartment complex, according to DCSO.

Author:
Krystyna Biassou

Published:
10:34 AM MST January 9, 2018

Updated:
10:34 AM MST January 9, 2018

9NEWS has learned the suspect responsible for the "ambush-style" attack on officers in Douglas County Sunday morning is Matthew Riehl. He was shot and killed by law enforcement.

Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said during an afternoon press conference that Riehl was known to law enforcement. He was also a veteran, who has exchanged angry tweets with the sheriff's office.

Riehl attended law school at the University of Wyoming. A spokesperson there says the school has been investigating social media rants Riehl made against the school for months.

A firearms instructor, Robert Butler, says Riehl took his rifle classes over the summer. "He didn't show any signs of being violent or unstable," Butler said. He says the weapons in photos Riehl posted on Facebook belonged to Riehl.

Firearms instructor Robert Butler says Douglas County shooting suspect took his rifle classes over the summer. "He didn't show any signs of being violent or unstable," Butler said. He says the weapons in the photos belonged to the suspect. #9NEWSpic.twitter.com/thDjyBLxv9

Riehl also had a Facebook page filled with images associated with the alt-right.

He also posted videos online where he discussed running for Sheriff as a Libertarian. The Libertarian Party of Colorado says it had no contact with him.

Matthew Riehl

One deputy was shot and killed, four other deputies and two civilians were injured when Riehl fired more than 100 rounds at the officers when they responded to a disturbance at a Highlands Ranch apartment complex, according to DCSO.

Just after 5 a.m., deputies responded to the incident at the Copper Canyon apartment complex located on County Line Road, between Colorado Boulevard and University Boulevard.

Spurlock said it was "almost immediately after" law enforcement arrived and was let in by someone who lived there that shooting began. All of the officers were shot very quickly and went down within seconds of each other, Spurlock continued.

"He knew we were coming, and we let him know we were there," Spurlock said.

The roommate of the Riehl is cooperating with law enforcement. He was not injured.

Deputy Zackari Parrish died in the shooting. He was a 29-year-old father, according to DCSO.

"Zack was a smiley kid," Spurlock said of the fallen deputy. "[He was] eager to work, eager to serve."

Zackari Parrish died on Sunday after, according to the sheriff's office, a suspect at a Highlands Ranch apartment opened fire.

One of the deputies who was shot is Jeff Pelle, the son of Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle. Mark Wagner, a public information officer with the agency, tweeted a statement from the Pelle family saying Jeff underwent surgery but is "in good spirits considering the gravity and severity of what occurred earlier this morning."